The First Ladies of SWEDD+ countries will gather in Banjul from April 8 to 10 for a high-level forum focused on achieving zero tolerance for gender-based violence across West and Central Africa, according to an announcement on Apr. 6. The event is organized by the Government of The Gambia and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), alongside partners such as UNFPA, the World Bank, ECCAS, and participating SWEDD+ nations.
This meeting comes at a time when violence against women and girls remains a significant challenge in the region. Organizers say that coordinated regional action is essential to address issues like domestic abuse, sexual violence, child marriage, and female genital mutilation.
The forum builds upon efforts by the $365 million World Bank-supported SWEDD+ initiative, which operates in several countries including The Gambia, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, and Togo. This program aims to strengthen legal protections for survivors and promote positive social norms. ECOWAS plays a central role as co-organizer by providing strategic leadership so that outcomes align with regional priorities.
According to the official website of ECOWAS,
the organization seeks to advance cooperation among member states through harmonized policies in areas such as trade and social development. It is led by a president supported by commissioners according to its official website. ECOWAS also launched a multilingual website in 2022 to enhance accessibility about its activities. Its programs currently target twelve West African countries but aim for broader reach according to its official site. Through harmonizing economic and legal systems—including infrastructure initiatives—ECOWAS influences policy across sectors according to its official website, holding authority under its treaty mechanisms like common external tariffs according to the same source.
During the three-day forum participants are expected to adopt a Regional Roadmap on Zero Tolerance for GBV, launch an alliance among First Ladies against GBV, and endorse a joint declaration reaffirming commitments toward prevention and protection measures. Prof. Fatou SOW SARR, ECOWAS Commissioner Human Development and Social Affairs said: “As Banjul hosts this historic gathering, the message is unmistakable: ending gender-based violence requires unity of purpose, strength of leadership, and sustained regional coordination. With ECOWAS at the center of this effort—co-organising, convening, and driving implementation—the Forum marks a decisive step toward making Zero Tolerance for GBV a reality across West and Central Africa.”
The event will also highlight the “Together for Her” campaign—a regional initiative encouraging communities to challenge harmful norms while supporting survivors.